Alwi Farhan’s time at the Indonesia Open will come. Just not yet. Not when Jonatan Christie had a point to prove.

It was not yet time for a handing-over of the torch, especially not at the Istora.

And so, at the end of their crackling 75-minute second round encounter at the POLYTRON Indonesia Open 2026, it was the 28-year-old who gutsed his way past the rising star.

It could’ve gone the other way. Farhan had erased a 11-15 deficit in the third, pulling level at 16, and the momentum had swung his way. With the frenetic pace and the crowd loving every moment, Christie had the wind for the final sprint, and soon he had closed the door behind him at 17-21 21-17 21-16.

“Yeah, of course, there was a point to prove,” said Christie. “The youngsters have more desire to win, and I think Alwi played very well last week; he beat (world No.1) Shi Yu Qi and it’s a very, very good run for him. I hope in the years ahead he can be the top performer.”

What had made the difference today?

“My fighting spirit.”

For now, Farhan is still the Indonesian heir apparent in men’s singles; Christie remains on the throne. Despite having grown idolising his senior compatriot, Farhan said he’d kept his admiration aside for the match.

“When I go on court, there’s no senior, no junior, everyone wants to win the match, so yes, maybe this is Jonatan’s day.

“I’m so tired; it was such a big crowd, but this maybe why Jonatan played so well. His defence was so solid, and made me frustrated, but it is what it is.

“In the third game he did not look nervous at all, but I was still nervous. I’m going to learn from this match. This is what will make me stronger.”

→Results (Round 2)